Multiple Sclerosis: secondary care data

The Scottish MS register reported there were 455 patients diagnosed with MS in 2023, equivalent to 8.3 per 100,000 people in the Scottish population. 

Chart 1 shows the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Scotland based on the numbers of first hospital admissions or deaths (without a prior hospital admission for MS during the preceding 10 years). Over the last 20 years, there has consistently been a higher incidence rate in females than males. For instance, in 2023/24, the incidence rate in females was 10.1 per 100,000 compared to 5.9 per 100,000 in males. Whilst the incidence rate in males has remained relatively unchanged in males over this period, it had been slowly increasing for females. However, following a sharp drop in 2019/20, it has remained broadly similar in the years following.

Chart 2 shows the incidence of multiple sclerosis by age and sex, calculated on the same basis as the figures in chart 1. Females over the age of 25 years generally have the highest incidence of MS, particularly those in the working age group of 25-59 years. The incidence for males aged 25-59 and 60+ are fairly similar.  For those under 25 years, females still have the higher number of diagnosed cases.